STRADDLE TUG AND BARGE SYSTEM

The main concern in the development of barge systems has been better control of barge navigation, particularly in manoeuvring and when operating in confined waters. In most cases this has meant a firmer interconnection of tug and barge which is now represented by the fully Integrated Tug and Barge (ITB) with no relative movements between the two. Such systems have been in use for some time. An obvious drawback to current ITB and similar tug/barge developments is the extensive U-shaped recess in the aft end of the barge, which increases barge tonnage construction costs substantially as well as total length. The aft end of the barge is also fully disposed to the mating of the tug and barge, and is not available for any reasonable cargo-carrying or transfer function, e.g. ro/ro gate and ramp. The straddle tug and barge system proposed by A/S Bergens Mekaniske Verksted is described diagrammatically. Features and characteristics are: 1) The tug is a catamaran having the ability to straddle the barge for interconnection. 2) Tug and barge are mated by the tug resting by controlled weight upon the barge. 3) The tug is provided with a ballast and buoyancy ability to adjust interlocking requirements to any barge conditions. 4) The tug itself is entirely self-contained and seaworthy as it also is when integrated with the barge. 5) One propeller in each catamaran hull secures excellent manoeuvring characteristics and almost nil turning radius. 6) The unit can be moored barge stern first to quay (Mediterranean mooring).

• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/oclc/6660842
• Corporate Authors:

  Benn Brothers Marine Publications Limited

  Lyon Tower, 125 High Street, Colliers Wood
  London SW19 2JN,   England 
• Authors:
  • Torjul, L
• Publication Date: 1980-2

Media Info

• Pagination: p. 133
• Serial:
  • Shipping World & Shipbuilder
  • Publisher: Seven Kings Publications, Limited
  • ISSN: 0037-3931
  • Serial URL: http://www.shippingworld.org/

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Barges; Catamarans; Maneuverability; Tug ship interaction; Tugboats; Vehicle design
• Uncontrolled Terms: Ship design
• Old TRIS Terms: Barge maneuverability; Integrated tug barge systems; Tug barge linkage; Tug barge systems
• Subject Areas: Design; Marine Transportation; Vehicles and Equipment;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00314975
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: British Ship Research Association
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Aug 27 1980 12:00AM